Opportunities

We are looking for participants to take part in a study that aims to study how the ability of cells to recycle proteins is related to ocular surface aging and disease. We will be evaluating the health of the ocular surface and tears, and will be collecting conjunctival cells from the surface of your eye by pressing a small piece of paper onto the white part of your eyes.

Eligibility: Young adults (18-25) with no dry eyes, elderly adults (65 or older) with AND without dry eyes who do not wear contact lenses and who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.

Compensation: Participants will complete a one-hour study, and receive $20 for their time as well as reimbursement for parking or public transit (maximum $7.25).

To participate, please contact Dr. William Ngo and Nijani Nagaarudkumaran.

We are looking for participants who have moderate-to-severe dry eye disease due to the use of anti-glaucoma medications in both eyes. You will complete a symptom questionnaire, undergo a brief examination of the front of the eye, and some procedures will involve briefly touching the eye surface. 

Eligibility: Adults (>18 y/o) who experience stinging, burning, tingling, gritty/scratchy sensations in the eyes who are also using one or more anti-glaucoma medications for at least three months. 

Compensation: Participants will attend three 60-minute sessions held in person.

Participants will receive $20.00 in renumeration for each visit, up to $60.00 at full study completion, and up to $7.25 for parking or public transit.

To participate, please contact Dr. William Ngo at wngo@uwaterloo.ca.

We are investigating the correlation between the latest colour vision tests and Royal Canadian Air Force pilot colour-related tasks. In each session, your colour vision will be assessed with a variety of different tests and you will perform colour-related pilot tasks using simulated displays.

Eligibility: Participants between 16 and 50 years old who have been diagnosed or suspect that they have difficulty distinguishing between colours.

Compensation: There will be two sessions separated by approximately 2 weeks, about 2.5-3 hours per session.

After completing the first session, you will receive $60 and $70 after completing the second session.

To participate, please email us at colourvision.study@uwaterloo.ca, call us at 519-888-4567 (ext. 42094 or 46768), or text us at 519-804-8125.

The Murphy Laboratory of Experimental Optometry (MLEO) is seeking volunteers for a research study titled: "An Investigation of the Relationship Between Ocular Surface Temperature, Tear Film Stability, and Symptoms of Eye Discomfort." A non-contact thermal imaging system will be used in the study. 

Eligibility: Eligibility: Individuals aged 17-65 (inclusive); either have symptoms or do not have symptoms of eye discomfort; do not have any known eye diseases or eye allergies; are able to not wear contact lenses on the day of research visit.

Time commitment: Attend one visit, approximately 30 mins. Participant will have 1 visit and will be remunerated $25 for completing the visit, plus reimbursement for parking expenses if required (maximum cost $7.25). 

To participate, please contact Ehsan Zare Bidaki at ehsanzb@uwaterloo.ca or 226-978-7001.

We are researching the impact of childhood eye conditions such as lazy eye (amblyopia) on everyday life. This study is important because children and adults with childhood eye conditions may have different eye movements, read slowly, or have motor issues. We want to better understand the causes of these issues, which may lead to the development of early interventions and treatments. This study's primary investigator is Dr. Krista Kelly.

Eligibility: Children and adults 3 to <40 years of age diagnosed with a childhood eye condition (amblyopia, strabismus, anisometropia, cataract). We are also recruiting control participants with no vision conditions other than wearing glasses.

Time commitment: One in-person visit at the School of Optometry & Vision Science, approximately 60 minutes with an optional second visit later. Participants will receive a $50 Walmart gift card per visit at each visit in appreciation of their time, plus reimbursement for parking.

To participate, please contact Krista Kelly at krista.kelly@uwaterloo.ca or call 519-888-4567 ext 41330.

We are looking for adults diagnosed with macular degeneration for a study which examines whether reading can be improved through a combination of practice and the use of a safe, well-established technique for temporarily changing brain function called non-invasive brain stimulation. It is important to note that we cannot guarantee that you will personally experience any visual benefits. However, we are performing this study because we believe it might hold promise for future treatments and interventions.

Participants will be asked to read words on a computer screen for 9 study sessions spaced out over a period of 2 to 3 months.

Eligibility: Adults diagnosed with macular degeneration. Participants must not have any additional eye conditions (previous cataract surgery is acceptable), should not be undergoing eye-based injections, and must be eligible for non-invasive brain stimulation (researchers will screen for this).

Time commitment: Attend 9 visits (2 hours per visit) over the course of approximately 2 to 3 months. You will be given $20 per session in appreciation for your time. Transportation will be provided at no cost to you. However, if you have a driver, we can provide them with a parking voucher to cover any parking expenses. 

To participate, please contact Melanie Mungalsingh at mamungal@uwaterloo.ca. Alternatively, you can call 519-888-4567 ext. 38651. If necessary, please leave a message so we can get back to you as soon as possible.